Thinking about my photographic work

Sub title: captivated by images

Photography is truly a wonderful pursuit. It has so many layers of interest to captivate the inquisitive and creative mind.

I was Introduced to photography at Art College, some 21 years ago, I have never really looked back. Or perhaps to be more accurate, I have never stopped looking, discovering, thinking and experimenting. I can honestly say, that after all this time I have not lost a bit of enthusiasm for photography, in fact I am more enthralled than ever. I also know far more now about what I don't know, and the greatest beauty of all, is that in time to come I will 'know' I have even more to learn.

I was lucky, I have a reasonable photographic eye. That is, I could take quite good photos before I knew a thing about photography. But the continual development of what makes me tick, and where I am on my journey, is far harder to explain. You will notice, even from this small site that my photography is eclectic. This is not by accident, but by design. I am captivated by images and learn a great deal by practicing the 'disciplines' of photography. My premise is that, by learning these skills, we can then 'choose' to use them or not in making the image, whatever the subject. This also comes in handy as a contemporary photographer where one day I will be shooting a commercial brochure, the next portraits and the next products in a studio or architecture in a city.

This approach is not right for everyone, but for me this variety and alternation of challenges is fascinating. An example might be the dogma of the essential asset of a sharply focused eye in wildlife photography. Now granted in many images this look good and connects the viewer with the image content. There are however, many examples of blurred shots, action shots and even the use of lens babies that 'break the rule', and we are enriched by their existence.

It is very much like the art directory by people such as Conrad Hall, taking chances with dark shots, even, dare I say it, lens flare! Nothing is out of bounds. But with such an approach, comes the greater need for vision and restraint. As someone once said, "it is not about the lights you turn on, its about the lights you don't turn on".

There is also something leveling about having feet in each camp. Clearly a photographer such as myself cannot 'take sides' in the debate on 'natural light' / 'available light'. I use light, I am as happy with a striking dawn glow as I am the successful application and manipulation of a EX550 (hotshoe strobe / flash off camera).

Studying the disciplines of photography and the work of skilled Artisans within these disciplines is a constant journey of discovery, and, truly wonderful.

Time

I thought I would say something about time, as I can't help but noticing that we are all in such a mad rush. Time is the bane of our current society. We actually have more dispensable time, better health and apparently more disposable income than any generation before us, yet we constantly feel that time is elusive? With three young children, I often wonder how I take any photographs at all. But this is a false reality, we have plenty of time. We do in fact, have just as much time as anyone has ever had, (time is not going any faster). It is just that our aspirations have been changed, accelerated lifestyle, peer pressure and marketing have made this frustration feel omni present. Let's all try and slow down a little.

Where next? One of the beauty's of the wide range of my work is that I can follow which ever feels right at the time. Obviously commissioned work has it's own timetable, or rather the clients do. But aside from this I can take the road of personal photographic development, branching off on any lane I choose, returning, revisiting and exploring at will. What's also great is that the seasons and where I am in the world have a real impact on much of this also. This, I think, is critical to the quality of all my work. It is, for me the approach which keep my work fresh, and allows me to be inspired by so much that I see.

If you have time, drop me a mail. Constructive criticism is always appreciated!

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